SIMO SAYS IT IS TIME FOR HEROICS BY PERTH SIDE

SIMO VALAKARI admits it's time for heroes to emerge amid a defensive crisis at St Johnstone.

- Fraser Mackie

Saints will tackle Celtic in Sunday's Scottish Cup fast-four clash with Daniels Balodis their only recognised centre-half.

Zach Mitchell and Drey Wright are likely crocked for the rest of the campaign after suffering injuries on consecutive weekends.

The selection posers are piling up for Valakari with Saints five points adrift at the bottom before the Premiership run-in.

But he's issued a stirring rallying cry to his Perth troops and told them they can salvage survival - even if down to the bare bones at the back.

Valakari said: “We are on the ropes with our defenders but the chance is there for someone to create a story for themselves.